Our Impact

Process Work! Process & Work. Or Work in Progress, to use a familiar manufacturing term. These are the thoughts that come to my mind. “Process” as in ongoing, unfinished, still to be worked on. “Work” as in time consuming, difficult but also satisfying, rewarding. Most importantly, for me,  a way of learning.

And a way of looking at my ways of thinking, my ways of feeling, my ways of speaking, my ways of listening. An honest and gentle look at where I’ve been, where I am, where I’m going.

Why? To bring a much needed awareness to my own processes of thinking, feeling, hearing, listening and just being in a space that is safe, comfortable and private. Held by co-travellers with long years of experience in holding the safety, comfort and privacy of that space. Companions who are adept at talking about where they’ve been, where they are, where they are going.

And the most charming part that I have experienced and continue to, is the long lasting bonds with random strangers. The realization that I am part of a community. A resource, a place from where I can draw on when in need and reciprocate when I get the opportunity.

I began to write hoping to understand the fusion, the confluence, the passion with which I embrace process work and storytelling. To find the place of each in my life. I find from my writing that it would be the same. That I could be talking of either. 

"Process work has enabled me to meaningfully enhance the experience of theatre for myself and others. It gets us beyond technique to delve deeper within, get under our own skin and masks to bring characters truly alive with authenticity."

"A journey everyone must make sometime. It is a beautiful community of people who are all on a journey to discover themselves, each at a different stage in his/her quest."

"Aastha’s Summer Event gave me a space to understand and be understood and helped me to relook at my choices and patterns—personal and professional. I think it is a space for everyone who approaches it with trust and integrity. It has been life-changing and I would definitely recommend it."

"The eleven day internship programme was a memorable and insightful experience for me. It helped me recognize my preconceived notions which were not productive to my relationships."

"In my personal as well as professional roles, process work has been instrumental in expanding my world view and in relating with diverse groups, from children to teachers to parents and curriculum too. Owning up more dimensions of myself has enabled me to do so with others too. I strongly believe that holistic education is possible when the adults, who have a great influence in the life of a child, have engaged with knowing themselves deeper--their patterns, thoughts, opinions, biases and more."

“Aastha to me is a space where I pause and from there find myself in a heightened and deeper state of understanding of the person that I am. It adds to my wisdom, my perspectives, and my journey. I love that the experience is alive even when I am away from the space. Initially I thought the programme will be one of those self - help programs with trainers, Yoga and meditation, but it was a different experience all together.

At the Summer Programmes, I find un-judged receiving, a space to express myself and relief in knowing that I feel what I feel and I can be understood. I have learnt that when I engage more, I receive more. Long clenched definitions and pain have found catharsis. There has also been an acquaintance with the cultural and parental messages that had found their way into my being.

Each time in the process space, I have simultaneously felt held and challenged with regard to my actions and inaction. For me, process work seems to have a way of sifting through, laying out and magnifying what is essential and foremost.

My first experience at Aastha was at the Youth Programme when I was 15. For the first time, I was awakened to the multiple dimensions of my being and my propensities. It also gave me a framework to choose the propensities I wanted to strengthen in my journey of growth and self-discovery.

Almost 15 years later at a critical crossroad of my life, I came back to this safe space where I could examine and accept my confusion, validate my choices and tap into my inner strength to move forward in confidence. 

Overall, a highly recommend experience whether or not you realize you need it!!